Things To Do

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  Get a visual perspective

  Historic images from the disaster

  View historic images from the disaster, as well as modern images from the site.

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  Frequently Asked Questions

  Frequently Asked Questions

  A few helpful answers to your questions

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  Learn More!

  Documentary: Into Forgetfulness

  Watch a powerful documentary on The Port Chicago Disaster. Click link for the presentation page.

 

 

The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial.

NPS/Luther Bailey

Visiting Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Site

Did You Know?

This national park memorial is located on an active military base at the site of the original disaster. All tours require an advance reservation, and are guided only.

Your Tour of the Site

The tour begins with a shuttle pickup from the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, California. A guided discussion by a ranger will provide insight into the Port Chicago disaster. By visiting the memorial, visitors can stand at the site of the explosion and gain a deeper understanding of the events that occured. The site features dedication memorials and interpretive wayside panels, which provide names of the fallen and information about this significant event. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and engage with rangers and other visitors about their thoughts and experiences.

A Memorial Dedicated to the Fallen

The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is a memorial dedicated in 1994 to commemorate the lives lost in the Port Chicago disaster, and it recognizes the critical role played by Port Chicago, California, during World War II. The memorial is located at the Concord Naval Weapons Station near Concord, California, in the United States.

The 1944 Port Chicago disaster occurred at the naval magazine and resulted in the largest domestic loss of life during World War II. On July 17, 1944, two ships being loaded with ammunition and bombs at the naval magazine suddenly exploded due to a combination of human error and inadequate safety procedures. The resulting fire and subsequent explosions caused widespread destruction and claimed 320 lives.

The majority of those killed were African American sailors who were working for the racially segregated military. During World War II, African American sailors were often relegated to menial tasks and were not given equal opportunities, despite their bravery and dedication to serving their country.

The explosion and its aftermath led to the largest Naval mutiny in US history. The subsequent trial also became a major catalyst for the United States Navy to desegregate following the war.

 

Steps for Reserving a Tour

Public access to the Memorial is through a two week advance reservation only on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays (allow 1½ hours) beginning at 12:30 PM. No access Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and during Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) operations.

Reservations are required and must be made at least two weeks prior to your visit to the Memorial. A government-issued photo ID (such as a state driver's license) is required for military base access. All visitors to the Memorial must enter with the National Park Service. All active U.S. Military personnel must make a reservation. Military Ocean Terminal Concord is a controlled-access area. All visitors to the site must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Required Information

To request a reservation: at least two weeks before your planned visit, call or email us with the following information about each visitor.
1. First name, Middle Name (no initials), Last Name
2. Phone Number and email
3. Date of Birth
4. Government Issued Identification Number (i.e, State Driver's License or Identification Card).
*All visitors must be US citizens or permanent residents.

Pick Up and Drop Off Location

All visitors are shuttled to the Memorial in a National Park Service vehicle from John Muir National Historic Site (4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, CA). Please be at John Muir NHS by 12:15 PM on your appointed tour date.

Reservation Phone Number

925-228-8860 ext. 6520